British seaside! Thoughts please

[pincushion5]

I'm researching somewhere on the south coast for a mini seaside break for my family (2 young children). I'm tossing up Bognor Regis, Weymouth and Bournemouth. We're in London and would need somewhere within 2 hours by train.

In the past we have enjoyed Southend - nice beach, interesting town, fairgrounds. Which from my list might we like? Anything else I've missed? (Not Broadstairs, Ramsgate, Margate, Deal, Brighton, as already been.)

Thank you!

Weymouth is lovely

I thought it seemed a bit run down this year. I prefer Lyme Regis.

I'd go for Weymouth. Bognor Regis was just grim

In what way is Bognor Regis grim?

We went to Bournemouth for a weekend last year and thought it was really grim although this was out of season and with "grown up" children. It may be different in the summer?

Is this break for now, or are you thinking ahead for summer next year?
Time of year can really change areas to recommend due to some areas closing down for the season whilst some still have places like arcades and the fairground open etc.

I used to live in Bognor. There's masses of stuff to do nearby so it's a good base.

For when? There much be going on in any British seaside town for aaaages now. Not much fun for most kids.

Sorry, should be "there won't..."

We've moved to Westcliff recently, near Southend on Sea. One of the best things we've ever done 😀 great area with loads of stuff to do and only an hour commute into London

Not a massive fan of any of those, but of the 3, probably Weymouth. Weymouth itself is okay, but the sea is lovely. You can get a bus/taxi to Portland, Ringstead, probably also as far as Swanage/Lyme Regis.

It's for next July! Sorry I should've clarified. Can you imagine any of these places now? 🥶

I love the area around Rye/Camber/Dungeness

Thanks for clarifying, OP 😉.

It's probably a bit too far from London and it can be very busy, but I really like Whitby.

Not on the South coast though! Sorry, I missed that sentence in your OP.

Swanage or Weymouth. I wouldn't go to the Somerset or North Devon coast unless you were going further than Minehead (all the beaches further up the Bristol Channel have massive tidal ranges which means dangerous mud flats).

Weymouth is nice, plenty to do without the "naffness". Bournemouth is pretty grim - a watered down version of Blackpool really.

Thanks everyone. Weymouth seems to be the top choice of the three.

Follow-up question: Weymouth or Margate? We HAVE been to the latter, but only briefly and didn't see all of it, so can go again. Margate has that water park, which is a draw!

Whitstable, Kent!

Bournemouth is not "grim" or like Blackpool at all! May be biased as my home town,but at 2 hours from London handy and a short ride to the many hotels here. Weymouth is a longer train ride .Lots to do here , 7 miles of sandy beaches , short ride to New Forest 20 mins by train , Many good restaurants .

Margate doesnt have a water park

Ryde isle of wight.. then you get a ferry trip as well , you can get the train to Portsmouth harbour and straight onto the fast cat... Ryde has a fantastic sandy beach and nice cafes and shops, plus you can get the train from the pier right down to Sandown for a day out.... But stay in Ryde rather than Sandown its much nicer

Plus round the island buses... Robin Hill adventure/country park is a fab day out for kids and you can get a bus there.. or taci direct from Ryde

We spent a car free week in Weymouth this year. Lots to see/do if you like seaside stuff. A bus over to portland too. We had good weather and it was fabulous. Fireworks at night, music on the front, a boat ride, food festival and walks. Swimming and fishing. Loved it. Felt like an abroad seaside holiday but in the UK.

Margate is good for a day - but not a week. Ditto Whitstable could give you a few days. Although good trains and buses around the area.....into Deal, see some castles, Broadstairs, Sandwich etc So that would be if you were feeling adventurous.

Definitely no watermark in Margate though.

I had a short break in Eastbourne years ago. I really enjoyed it. there is a bandstand on the seafront which had a brass band playing. The seafront is quite pebbly though, but I did not mind that. I liked the town centre. I remember we ate in a really nice Greek restaurant one evening. I had a nice, relaxing time there.